William, Catherine star at Queen's birthday bash

Britain's royal family celebrated Queen Elizabeth's 85th birthday Saturday, but all eyes were on two newlyweds -- the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William and his new bride, Catherine, took part in their first big post-wedding event, in what one royals watcher called their "coming out" party.

They appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the first time since their April 29th nuptials, and drew the loudest applause.

There was, reported CBS's Dana Lewis, a booming gun salute and a military fly-pass on a gorgeous afternoon in front of the palace, to honor the Queen and her celebrity entourage, which included William and Catherine.

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Since the 17th century, British monarchs have celebrated their birthdays with ceremonial parades called trooping the color. They've been called the epitome of pomp. Soldiers display regimental flags, which in battle help lost troops find their way back to their units.

But, says Lewis, "The tourist attraction was less about the Queen's 85th and much more about the newlyweds."

A mounted William was wearing the same red tunic and blue sash from his wedding, his bride, the former Kate Middleton, not far away (in an open car), providing what Lewis referred to as "a treasured but rare photo prize for any tourist lucky enough to get a glimpse.

"Like rare love birds, the couple has hardly been seen since their wedding day," Lewis continued. "They surfaced this week at a gala dinner to raise money for charity, and of course, to show off Catherine's latest gown. The British media have already dubbed her 'The Queen of Fashion."'

The couple has a new home, an apartment at Kensington Palace, where William once lived with his mother, Princess Diana, until her death in 1997.

Now, with the honeymoon over, they're "back out and out in public in spectacular fashion," Lewis says, "fortunately, just in time for London's tourist season."

William and Catherine are scheduled to make their first official foreign visit later this month, to Canada and then - Los Angeles.

Majesty magazine Editor Ingrid Seward told "Early Show on Saturday Morning" co-anchor Russ Mitchell the festivities did indeed mark William and Catherine's "coming out."

On the Buckingham Palace balcony, she observed, "The Queen and Prince Philip came out first, and there was a cheer. But when Catherine and William came out, there was really a free-zone of excitement.

"I think it's just - their presence. They're young. It's an unknown quality. And I think that's made the whole royal family appear more exciting. The royal family is, in fact just the same, but they appear more exciting because they've got this wonderful, golden young couple."

To see the entire Seward interview, click on the video below: